News Staff For the second year in a row, Van Vleck’s head softball coach, Rebecca Hanson, has earned the Region 5 3A Coach of the Year award. This honor celebrates not just the team’s on-field success, including another deep playoff run, but also Hanson’s strong leadership off the field. Beyond the game, Hanson’s team actively supports the … Read more
El Campo ISD is planning raises for all staff members this fall, not just teachers, thanks to new state funding from House Bill 2. Starting in September, experienced teachers will get raises—$8,000 for those with over five years and $4,000 for those with three to four years. But the bill doesn’t cover aides, counselors, or … Read more
After four years, a teen girl found murdered near CR 225 in Wharton County has finally been identified. Authorities say 16-year-old Yeimy Maciela Beltran of Harris County was reported missing in April of ’21. Her body was found less than two months later, over 60 miles away, in a field. Investigators now believe she was … Read more
A gas leak near Markham RV Park forced a two-block evacuation last Wednesday morning. Homes and businesses south of FM 1468 were cleared out as emergency crews rushed in. Markham Elementary served as a shelter while CenterPoint Energy sealed the leak by 2:25 p.m. The evacuation order was lifted shortly after. No one was hurt, … Read more
At last Tuesday’s Bay City Council meeting, officials discussed plans for a Railroad Quiet Zone to reduce train noise and improve safety at local crossings. City staff reviewed two main options: quick-to-start pavement markings called channelization, and longer-term concrete medians. The council leaned toward starting with channelization on Union Pacific crossings like Avenue I and … Read more
El Campo City Council approved spending $143,000 to buy two new police SUVs from Silsbee Ford. The white ’25 Ford Explorers with blue stripes will replace older patrol cars, easing wear on vehicles used nonstop by officers. City Manager Courtney Sladek says the purchase isn’t in the budget due to expected tax increases caused by … Read more
The Bay City Police Department recently thanked Tractor Supply for donating animal food to the Bay City Animal Impound. This support helps care for animals while they wait to reunite with their owners or find new homes through rescues. Chief Christella Rodriguez highlighted how every act of kindness, big or small, makes a difference for … Read more
Edna’s Grow In Grace senior home helped make a dream come true for 99-year-old Beatrice Steffek, who threw the first pitch at a Victoria Generals game. Beatrice, a longtime baseball fan and the oldest resident at Grow In Grace, surprised everyone by recovering well after a serious hospital stay last year. The home’s owner, Kim … Read more
Bay City’s Aquacats recently hosted their first swim meet since ’23, drawing 264 swimmers and 700 fans to Valiant Pool. The event, backed by parent volunteers and local sponsors, marked a major comeback for youth swimming in Matagorda County. With help from the YMCA and others, the meet ran smoothly. Scouts led the national anthem, … Read more
Wharton County may see a $157 million increase in property values, bringing in around $502,000 in new revenue without raising taxes. But rising costs in health insurance, jail expenses, and solid waste services will eat up most of it. County leaders are hoping for a 3% cost-of-living raise for workers and support for local programs, … Read more